Temple Beth El is an active participant in this interfaith effort to improve our communities. COPA is a network of 35 faith-based and nonprofit institutions in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. COPA’s activities are based on the concept of “relational organizing”—a process of deepening and broadening our understanding of each other that identifies potential areas for action on behalf of our members. Relational organizing includes one-to-one meetings, house meetings, research actions, and community actions. This model can develop in two ways, one identifies and serves the needs of the congregation, and the other prepares us to work together for a better (broader) community.

Our primary action has been an initiative to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing in Santa Cruz County. Our current focus is on negotiating with Standard Pacific to develop housing on the Par 3 property in Aptos. The development will have 90 units, a mix of rental and ownership, that will be affordable by very-low-income, low-income, and moderate-income households.

Andrew Goldenkranz and Carolyn Coleman lead the COPA Committee at Temple Beth El.

COPA House Meetings. Sunday, October 23, 4:00-5:00 pm at various locations throughout the county. As described during our High Holiday services, we will begin to appreciate the concerns and conditions of our fellow community members with the ultimate aim of engaging in action together to address specific needs.

COPA in the News

Rabbi Rick Litvak: Fighting the affordable housing fight. December 28, 2006, Santa Cruz Sentinel

Par 3 owner dismisses park idea. October 25, 2006, Santa Cruz Sentinel

Plan for Aptos Par 3 triggers community debate. October 24, 2006, Santa Cruz Sentinel

Richard Litvak: Housing costs breaking apart community. October 22, 2006, Santa Cruz Sentinel

Richard Litvak, Steve Ellis and Ron Shirley: Take the next step on Par 3 project. June 4, 2006, Santa Cruz Sentinel

230 Homes Proposed for Par 3 Golf Course.  August 9, 2005, Mid County Post.

As we see it: Community support needed for housing. July 3, 2005, Santa Cruz Sentinel

A new player in Aptos Par 3 housing fight: 260 COPA members push for approval of 230-home project. June 25, 2005, Santa Cruz Sentinel

Supervisors approve revamped housing proposal. June 8, 2005, Santa Cruz Sentinel